Ayla hummed quietly as she stepped out of the car, holding a few shopping bags in her hands. The sun was going down, painting the sky in soft shades of orange and pink. It should have been a perfect day. She had spent hours picking out last-minute things for her wedding, perfume, jewelry, and a silk robe for the morning. Tomorrow, she was supposed to marry the man she loved.

Her heart felt full just thinking about Ethan. She couldn’t wait to see him standing at the altar, waiting for her with that gentle smile he always gave her.

"Miss Ayla, I’ll carry those for you," the maid, Clara, offered,...